Victor L. Rayhall, 83, of North Windham, CT passed away peacefully on July 15, 2017 surrounded by his family. Your Journey through life may have come to an end, but our love for you will forever be true.

Victor had an amazing life. He proudly served in the U.S. Army, loved stock-car driving, enjoyed UCONN basketball, The Boston Red Sox and The New England Patriots. He was committed to serving his town, sitting on various boards and commissions. He was a Rotarian, and a member of the Willimantic Elks Lodge #1311.

Victor was a loving husband, father and grandfather. Victor shared his life with his wife Diane (Coriaty) Rayhall, his children, David Rayhall, Steven Rayhall, Laurie Jarvis, Anthony Rayhall and husband Daniel Rayhall, Ashley Rayhall and husband Luke Croxton, Milania Rayhall, Chelsey Rayhall and Kaydence Vazquez. He also leaves behind eight grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and two sisters Jennie and Eva. Victor was preceded in death by his wife Mary Ellen Nelson and two brothers, Charles and Louie.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Victor’s memory may be made to, The Connecticut Humane Society, 701 Russell Rd., Newington, CT 06111. Calling hours will be held Wednesday, July 19, 2017 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Potter Funeral Home, 456 Jackson St. (Rte. 195) Willimantic, CT. A Graveside Service will be Thursday, July 20, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at the New Willimantic Cemetery, with a reception to follow. To sign the online memorial guestbook, please visit www.potterfuneralhome.com

Willimantic Police Sergeant Alex Coriaty presents the Officers of Willimantic Lodge #1311 with a plaque while at a Windham Town Council Meeting. The plaque is in recognition for the years of financial donations, ENF Gratitude Grant, Fundraising events that Willimantic Lodge has donated to the Willimantic Police Department.

A Little Taste of History within Willimantic Lodge

Prepared by Alex Coriaty PDD

Willimantic Lodge #1311 received its charter on March 31,1914 and was under the leadership of Willimantic’s 1st Exalted Ruler Daniel Dunn* (1914-1915). Lodge meetings were held in various locations throughout Willimantic including the French Club on Center Street, the Jordan Hardware Building and the Old Fellows Hall on Main Street.

The Lodge purchased land at its present location at 198 Pleasant Street on July 13, 1919 and Michael F. Sullivan* was the Exalted Ruler (6th) at that time. Construction took place at 198 Pleasant Street on April 2, 1925 and was completed in May of 1926.

The Lower Level Banquet Hall which holds up to 350 people and the Bowling Alleys off of the Grille Room were completed between February 1957 and May 1958. Willimantic Lodge has won the Connecticut Elks Association Ritualistic Championship four times, 1956-1957, 1965-1966, 1966-1967, and 1967-1968. Because of the dedication to the Connecticut Elks Association and the respect earned by Willimantic Lodge The Connecticut Elks Association named their Ritual Trophy after Arthur J.Roy ,PER,PDD,PSP,PGELK,PGT,PSDGER.

Florimond Lussier the Lodge’s 52nd Exalted Ruler (1965-1966) is the eldest living Past Exalted Ruler with 49 years and counting.

The Lodge has seen two men serve two terms as Exalted Ruler. Leonard “Jake” Tompkins in 1973-1974 and again in 1982-1983. The second being Jeffrey Zizka who served back to back terms in 1990-1991,1991-1992.

In its 100 year history Willimantic Lodge has one father/ son Exalted Ruler combination when in 1994-1995 Charles A. Coriaty* served as Exalted Ruler. His son Alex C. Coriaty served as Exalted Ruler in 1997-1998.

During the 1997-1998 year Donna Bessette became the lodge’s first female member.

The Lodge in 2003-2004 celebrated its first female Exalted Ruler in Donna Wallace.

The Lodge also celebrates its first Husband and Wife Exalted Ruler combination when in 1998-1999 George St. Germain* served as Exalted Ruler. His wife Marion St. Germain served as Exalted Ruler in 2005-2006.

On September 21, 2008 Willimantic Lodge had the honor of hosting the Grand Exalted Ruler Visit. Approximately 240 elk members from across the state welcomed Grand Exalted Ruler Paul D. Helsel and his lovely wife Jane. The Grand Exalted Ruler is from Newark Lodge #2281. Also in attendance was Connecticut's Jurisdictional leader the Honorable Peter T. Affatato, Past Grand Exalted Ruler, and his lovely wife Irene. Willimantic Lodge last hosted a GER Visit in 1981.

In September of 2009 The Grand Lodge approved the merge between Norwich Lodge #430 and Willimantic Lodge. Members in good standing of Norwich Lodge were allowed the opportunity to become members of Willimantic Lodge. Some of the Norwich members decided to join the New London Lodge #360.

On July 7,2010 at the Grand Lodge Convention in Orlando, Florida, Donna Wallace was installed has District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler-Connecticut East. Donna is the second female in the State of Connecticut to be appointed to this high honor.

On September 20,2012, Willimantic Lodge had the honor of hosting the Grand Exalted Ruler Visit. Approximately 200 Elks members from across the state welcomed Grand Exalted Ruler Thomas Bazier and his lovely wife Venita. The Grand Exalted Ruler is from Santa Cruz Lodge #824, in California. Also in attendance was Past Grand Exalted Ruler the Honorable David Carr, and Connecticut's Special Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler the Honorable Robert W. Hansen, SDGER, PGLIG, PGLCC, PSP,PDD.

On April 13, 2013 Willimantic Lodge will be installing its 100th Exalted Ruler in Donald A. Bajger, the Lodge will celebrate its 100th year of Elkdom during the 2013-2014 Lodge year.

On June 2, 2013 Donna Wallace PDD became Vice President of the Connecticut Elks Association. Donna is the 1st female Vice President in the Connecticut Elks history and has the opportunity to become the State’s first female State President.